Reilly: Some degree of progress at Croke Park 2 talks

Minister for Health James Reilly said today that "some degree of progress" is being made in negotiations with the health unions.

Health sector unions are back at the Labour Relations Commission as doubts continue on the survival of the Croke Park 2 deal.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and the Irish Medical Organisation have described the next few hours as "crucial" as talks continue with the aim of securing €150m worth of savings this year.

There was significant progress made with other unions overnight, while Garda representative bodies will hold further discussions tomorrow.

"I think it's really good news that the health unions are still engaged with the talks," he said.

"I believe some degree of progress is being made, and I mean I think it's progress itself that they're still there.

"So I would encourage everybody involved to continue to seek the solution because an imposed solution is never the best solution, an agreed solution would be far, far better for all concerned."